Course Syllabus

PDF of Syllabus

Contact Information

Instructors	Telephone	Email
Todd Fagin, PhD. (Lecture)	(405) 325-8979	tfagin@ou.edu

 

Office	Office Hours
2PP Suite 180 (CSA) (Fagin)	By Appointment (See below)

Lecture: M/W 1:30-2:45

---

Course Overview

Within the past several years alone there has been a proliferation of GIS and related technologies in a variety of sectors, from academic and industry to government and, even, recreation. Today, GIS and associated technologies (e.g. remote sensing and GNSS) are regarded as among the top emerging and evolving fields. As the demand GIS grows, so too does the need for skilled, knowledgeable practitioners who understand the breadth of what GIS has to offer.

The goal of this class is to serve as a broad introduction to a range of practical GIS applications. The course will introduce students to both intermediate and advanced concepts, including, but not limited to: the modifiable areal unit problem and dasymetric mapping; deep learning techniques in GIS and remote sensing; both non-spatial and spatial relational database management systems and structured query language (SQL); geovisualization; network analysis; and web mapping techniques.

Course Objectives

GIS Applications will introduce students to intermediate and advanced topics in geographic information systems and geographic information science. By the end of this course, students will be able to effectively apply this knowledge in the use of standard GIS software. Key learning objectives include:

• Understanding limitations to spatial data and techniques to overcome certain shortcomingsa
• Explore new and cutting edge techniques of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and deep learning within the realm of GIS
• Work with object-oriented geodatabases
• Query both non-spatial and spatial RDBMS using basic and intermediate structured query language (SQL)
• Present complex geographic information in easy-to-use formats using geovisualization techniques
• Explore next generation web mapping techniques using Esri’s Experience Builder and ArcGIS Maps SDK for JavaScript
• Utilize Network Analysis to solve routing and other location-based problems

Course Design

It is the firm belief of the instructor that the only way to truly learn GIS is by actually doing GIS. In keeping with this maxim, the instructor believes an ideal GIS class should be structured to maximize student use of various spatial technologies. The class is designed to guide students through the trajectory of developing a working knowledge of GIS for a broad range of applications.

The class combines a lecture/discussion/lab format with an emphasis on the hands-on use of GIS. Lecture topics and associated discussions will typically be brief and designed to augment hands-on GIS (and related) exercises. The bulk of class time will be spent doing GIS. Most course topics will revolve around hypothetical scenarios. Students will be presented with instruction and tools to solve these hypothetical (though very much based on real-world scenarios) problems.

In order to ensure that students understand core concepts, students will be required to complete a series of so-called mini-projects throughout the semester (four total). These will build on the in-class assignments, but students will apply them to a situation other than that explored in class. There are no exams. Only mini-projects and a GIS Day Presentation (see below).

GIS Day at OU is November 16, 2023. This annual event is hosted by the Center for Spatial Analysis (CSA) and part of global GIS Day events (which will be occurring elsewhere on Nov. 15th this year). Students are not only required to attend, they are required to participate. This year, CSA will host both a student poster contest (undergraduate and graduate levels) and a student StoryMap contest. Students may enter either, but there is very strong encouragement to do the StoryMap contest since this course will have a whole section on geovisualization focusing on StoryMap creation. This serves as your semester project (though it is obviously due almost a month before the end of the semester). There will be a series of intermittent deliverables to ensure all finish their GIS Day presentations in time. Group projects are permissible.

Course Materials

Textbook:

None

Ancillary Readings

As assigned by the instructor

Graduate Credit

Students enrolled in the class for graduate credit must either submit a literature review on a research topic of interest to the student or give a short (10 to 15 minutes) presentation to the class on GIS in their discipline. Though topics should be in the realm of GIS applications, students are strongly encouraged to select a topic related to the student’s current research objectives (e.g. thesis or dissertation research), if possible. Topics may also be related to the student’s semester project. The literature review or project presentation will be due towards the end of the semester (date of presentations is contingent on available class time).

Guidelines for the literature reviews and presentations will be provided at a later date.

Course Prerequisites 

GIS 4013/5013 Fundamentals of GIS is a prerequisite for this course. It is assumed students have had some introduction to GIS theory and practice. Additionally, a background in geography, database management, and/or computer science may be advantageous (but is not required).

Grades

GIS 4253 (undergraduate credit)

• Class participation (discussions, attendance, in-class assignments): 50%
• Mini-Projects: 25%
• GIS Day Term Project (all deliverables combined): 25%

GIS 5253 (graduate credit)

• Same as 4253 (above)
• Graduate literature review or presentation (pass/fail---fail will drop you 1 letter grade; failure to complete will drop you 2 letter grades)

Grading scale: A: 90% or more, B: 80-89.99%, C: 70-79.99%, D: 60-60.99%, and F: less than 60%.

• All assignments should be submitted by the due date. The late submission penalty is 5% per day. All assignments are to be submitted into appropriate “dropboxes” on Canvas.
• Mini-projects must be completed on the designated due dates. Typically, students will have class time to work on the mini-projects. Exceptions for missing due dates are granted with valid proof of a medical condition or observance of a religious holiday. While the preference is for students to inform the instructor about any possible conflicts prior of the scheduled due dates, this rule will be flexible.
• GIS DayTerm project deliverables are grades as follows: brief project proposal—10 points; in-depth project proposal—20 points; progress reports—10 point each (20 points all together); final report—25 points; final presentation—25 points. In addition to GIS Day, final presentations will be occur during our scheduled final exam time.

Holidays and Vacation Days

Labor Day: Sep. 4, 2023

Thanksgiving: Nov. 22-26, 2023

Final Exam Date

Friday, Dec. 15, 2023 8:00 AM

Office Hours

The instructor’s office is located on South Campus in office 134 Suite 180 Two Partners Place (the Center for Spatial Analysis). All in-person office hours are by appointment only. Virtual office hours will be held from 9:00 to 10:00 am on Monday and Wednesdays. Students must contact the instructor via email and, if desired, a Zoom call will be initiated. Students are free to contact the instructor via email at any time. However, replies may be delayed 

Generalized Course Outline (Lecture)

Some topics spread over multiple weeks. Subject to constant revisions as needed.

Topic Number	Topic Description
1	Course Introduction
2	The Modifiable Areal Unit Problem and Dasymetric Mapping
3	Deep Learning Techniques for GIS
4	Spatial Databases
5	Geovisualization
6	Query by Example
7	Structured Query Language
8	Query by Example
9	WebGIS

Course Policies

The following policies will be strictly enforced.

Make-up Policy

In order to meet the objectives of this course, it is imperative that students attend all live sessions and complete the assignments in class. However, if a student has an excused absence (proper documentation is required), they will have the opportunity to make up any missed in-class assignments.

Absences

As previously noted, in-class time will be spent utilizing GIS and related software. Attendance is mandatory and any absence could adversely affect your overall grade. If a student must miss class (proper documentation is required), it is the student's responsibility to contact the instructor prior to the absence (with some exceptions for unanticipated absences).

---

University Academic Policies and Student Support

Course Catalog 

Search the OU Course Catalog.

Student Handbook

Please familiarize yourself with the OU Student Handbook.

Online Library

Access digital materials and other resources at OU Libraries.

Copyright

Sessions of this course may be recorded or live-streamed. These recordings are the intellectual property of the individual faculty member and may not be shared or reproduced without the explicit, written consent of the faculty member. In addition, privacy rights of others such as students, guest lecturers, and providers of copyrighted material displayed in the recording may be of concern. Students may not share any course recordings with individuals not enrolled in the class, or upload them to any other online environment. 

Academic Integrity and Plagiarism 

Academic integrity is one of the most important aspects of education at the University of Oklahoma. Therefore, if you are suspected of cheating or plagiarism, you will be formally charged with academic misconduct under the terms of the Student Code, copies of which are available at the Office of the Vice President for Students Affairs. You may not turn in work for this class that has been researched or completed for another class. See me if you have any questions concerning the meaning of academic dishonesty.

Religious Observances

It is the policy of the University to excuse the absences of students that result from religious observances and to reschedule examinations and additional required classwork that may fall on religious holidays, without penalty.It is the responsibility of the student to make alternate arrangements with the instructor at least one week prior to the actual date of the religious holiday.

Reasonable Accommodation Policy

The Accessibility and Disability Resource Center is committed to supporting students with disabilities to ensure that they are able to enjoy equal access to all components of their education.  This includes your academics, housing, and community events.  If you are experiencing a disability, a mental/medical health condition that has a significant impact on one or more life functions, you can receive accommodations to provide equal access.  Possible disabilities include, but are not limited to, learning disabilities, AD(H)D, mental health, and chronic health.  Additionally, we support students with temporary medical conditions (broken wrist, shoulder surgery, etc.) and pregnancy.  To discuss potential accommodations

Title IX Resources and Reporting Requirement 

For any concerns regarding gender-based discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating/domestic violence, or stalking, the University offers a variety of resources. To learn more or to report an incident, please contact the Sexual Misconduct Office at 405/325-2215 (8 to 5, M-F) or smo@ou.edu. Incidents can also be reported confidentially to OU Advocates at 405/615-0013 (phones are answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week).  Also, please be advised that a professor/GA/TA is required to report instances of sexual harassment, sexual assault, or discrimination to the Sexual Misconduct Office. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies can be directed to University Equal Opportunity Officer and Title IX Coordinator at 405/325-3546 or smo@ou.edu . For more information, visit http://www.ou.edu/eoo.html

Adjustments for Pregnancy/Childbirth Related Issues

Should you need modifications or adjustments to your course requirements because of documented pregnancy-related or childbirth-related issues, please contact your professor or the Disability Resource Center at 405/325-3852 as soon as possible. Also, see http://www.ou.edu/eoo/faqs/pregnancy-faqs.html for answers to commonly asked questions

Registration and Withdrawal

If you choose to withdraw from this course, you must complete the appropriate University form and turn the form in before the deadline. If you stop attending the course and doing the coursework without doing the required paperwork, your grade will be calculated with missed homework and examination grades entered as zero. This could result in receiving a grade of F in the course. Deadlines are shown in the Academic Calendar, which is available from the Office of the Registrar.

Student Grievances

In addition to any policies outlined related to submitting an informal or formal grievance by your professor in the Course Syllabus in the online classroom, please review the Graduate Student Handbook for more information about the process of submitting a formal grievance.

Final Exam Preparation Period

Pre-finals week will be defined as the seven calendar days before the first day of finals. Faculty may cover new course material throughout this week. For specific provisions of the policy please refer to OU’s Final Exam Preparation Period policy (https://apps.hr.ou.edu/FacultyHandbook#4.10).

Emergency Protocol

During an emergency, there are official university procedures that will maximize your safety. 

Severe Weather: If you receive an OU Alert to seek refuge or hear a tornado siren that signals severe weather 1. LOOK for severe weather refuge location maps located inside most OU buildings near the entrances 2. SEEK refuge inside a building. Do not leave one building to seek shelter in another building that you deem safer. If outside, get into the nearest building. 3. GO to the building’s severe weather refuge location. If you do not know where that is, go to the lowest level possible and seek refuge in an innermost room. Avoid outside doors and windows. 4. GET IN, GET DOWN, COVER UP. 5. WAIT for official notice to resume normal activities.

 Link to Severe Weather Refuge Areas , Severe Weather Preparedness - Video

Armed Subject/Campus Intruder: If you receive an OU Alert to shelter-in-place due to an active shooter or armed intruder situation or you hear what you perceive to be gunshots: 

1.GET OUT: If you believe you can get out of the area WITHOUT encountering the armed individual, move quickly towards the nearest building exit, move away from the building, and call 911. 2. HIDE OUT: If you cannot flee, move to an area that can be locked or barricaded, turn off lights, silence devices, spread out, and formulate a plan of attack if the shooter enters the room. 3. TAKE OUT: As a last resort fight to defend yourself.

For more information, visit http://www.ou.edu/emergencypreparedness.html   

Shots Fired on Campus Procedure - Video

Fire Alarm/General Emergency: If you receive an OU Alert that there is danger inside or near the building, or the fire alarm inside the building activates: 1. LEAVE the building. Do not use the elevators. 2. KNOW at least two building exits 3. ASSIST those that may need help 4. PROCEED to the emergency assembly area 5 ONCE safely outside, NOTIFY first responders of anyone that may still be inside building due to mobility issues. 6. WAIT for official notice before attempting to re-enter the building.

Mental Health Support Services

If you are experiencing any mental health issues that are impacting your academic performance, counseling is available at the University Counseling Center (UCC). The Center is located on the second floor of the Goddard Health Center, at 620 Elm Rm. 201, Norman, OK 73019.

To schedule an appointment call (405) 325-2911. 

For more information please visit http://www.ou.edu/ucc.

Land Acknowledgement Statement Provided by OU's Tribal Liaison Office

Long before the University of Oklahoma was established, the land on which the University now resides was the traditional home of the “Hasinais” Caddo Nation and “Kirikirʔi:s” Wichita & Affiliated Tribes.

We acknowledge this territory once also served as a hunting ground, trade exchange point, and migration route for the Apache, Comanche, Kiowa and Osage nations.  Today, 39 tribal nations dwell in the state of Oklahoma as a result of settler and colonial policies that were designed to assimilate Native people. The University of Oklahoma recognizes the historical connection our university has with its indigenous community. We acknowledge, honor and respect the diverse Indigenous peoples connected to this land. We fully recognize, support and advocate for the sovereign rights of all of Oklahoma’s 39 tribal nations. This acknowledgement is aligned with our university’s core value of creating a diverse and inclusive community. It is an institutional responsibility to recognize and acknowledge the people, culture and history that make up our entire OU Community.

 

For more information please visit http://www.ou.edu/ucc.